Photogenerated Charge Separation between Polar Crystal Facets Under a Spontaneous Electric Field

Abstract

AbstractUntil now, the photogenerated charge separation mechanism is not clear in photocatalysis. Based on the structures at the atomic scale of the polar crystal facets with photocatalytic activities, a general separation model of photogenerated charge between polar facets under a spontaneous electric field is presented. This charge separation model is proven by photo‐induced selective redox reactions on polar planes, photovoltaic and rectification effects in the polar direction orientated thin films, and electric field assisted assembly and alignment of semiconductor nanowires grown along the polar direction. This polar structure is similar to a semiconductor p–n junction, which can control the movement of electronic carriers and can be used to fabricate high‐efficiency photocatalysts and electronic and optoelectronic devices based on a new principle.